Spinner

That fan is marginal to exhaust the room, but would help remove some of the larger "floaters." I've found a simple box fan (like the 20" fans sold at Home Depot) with a 20x20 furnace filter in front of it does a better job. It can be placed close by the cage or play stand, and pulls down and dander into the furnace filter. I've augmented mine with a charcoal filter for any lingering odors. I had a detailed post about it, but can't seem to find it now.....so, I'll go take some pictures if interested The draft isn't an issue. Although I don't have the fans pointed to the cages, there is a good amount of air circulating in my bird room. They seem to enjoy it, especially when their toys move around on their own.

The plasticizers used in today's PVC is suitable for our birds. It was the old Pthalate plasticizer that was a problem. If you're concerned, think baby toys, which if plastic are typically PVC. There is no FDA ban on the use of PVC for packaging, baby toys, use in homes, etc.

Lyn and all, I think this thread just had its ending. As you said, whether real or not, this has been way too one-sided. Say no more.

You won't need to give water as they get what they need from the formula. It sounds like you're doing things as they should be. Continue feeding with the syringe. It's truly the best way to balance getting them what they need while letting them taste the food. And, it's a lot less messy than a spoon. As far as the beak play, it's actually a feeding response. They are thinking each other is their mother bird with a mouth full of food. It is a normal response. Regarding how you might know if something is going wrong? The best measure is to weigh them every morning, prior to the first feeding. Track their weight each day, religiously. The first indicator of trouble will be a weight loss or lack of weight gain. Although they will have ups and down on weight gain, if there's more than one day of loss, I'd get a vet involved rather quickly. You will not know visually if there's a problem as they hide illnesss well.

And please, keep the questions coming. While not pleased that there's another unweaned bird being raised, we want to be sure it has the best chances of success!

Jayd is spot-on! First off, how are you feeding the babies? Is it by spoon, syringe, crop needle...? If you are using a spoon or syringe, then know that the chicks will typically only accept what they need. In other words, they tend not to overeat. When they start to regurgitate food, it's time to stop. If they readily accept more, than gently provide what they need. They will either regurgitate or shake their head flipping food all over when they are done. Or, they might simply stop opening their beaks. If you are feeding with a crop needle, then all bets are off and you need to get with a vet immediately. Secondly, know that there are no hard and fast rules as to how much to feed. The recommendations are just that...recommendations. Use them as a guide as to how much to feed. It is more important to pay attention to whether the chick is accepting food or not. Third, be sure the temperature is in the 100-105 range. They will accept a higher temp, but you run the risk of burn. And do NOT trust your arm to test. Get a digital thermometer. Also, do not feed them formula that has cooled below 100 - that will cause some crop flow problems. And, they'll usually start to refuse cool food and you may confuse it for a full bird. Finally, keep them together. At this age they are still temperature sensitive and need the collective warmth and companionship. It is too early to separate them. And, when you get a chance, go back and smack your breeder. He should be doing this for you or at least providing more mentoring on what to do. I'll send you a 2x4 to use if needed

Yeah, both are concentrates and go a long way. They're both worth the money. Glad you're enjoying the nursery cam. And keep watching, I'm on a 3 hour feeding cycle this week which should hit shortly.

Pet Focus is one of the best disinfectants for your bird items. It is one of two cleaners I use in my aviary and all my cages. It is effective yet without any nasty fumes. Note, you likely won't need a jug that big if you have one bird to care for, as it's not used that frequently. (I don't do routine cleaning with it, just the weekly or monthly disinfecting cleanings) The other cleaner I use is Essential Gold Natural Soap. It is very effective at dissolving droppings as well as general cleaning. I use it for daily, routine cleaning. You can find more about it at http://www.essentialprocess.com/essentialgold.html Both products are non-toxic for our birds. Even so, I usually rinse food and water containers after use.

I'm sure that Emma will ask all the questions. Just make sure she doesn't ask for the expensive spa treatments.

If in doubt on any condition, make a visit to the vet. It wouldn't be a bad idea to call the vet and ask when they recommend a visit. I have a very good relationship with mine, as they share my desire for raising very healthy birds. As for the legs, while lounging around, they will often stick out their leg at what looks like a dangerous position for the leg. It's all good as long as long as it can tuck in the leg underneath while reaching up for food (which it should be doing by now). This behaviour actually continues as the bird gets older, as it stretches the leg under an out-reached wing while balancing on the other leg. There is a condition called splayed leg, but thanfully it is infrequent for Greys and is easily correctable. As long as the legs are solidly underneath while they are awake, it should be ok. I'd invite you to check my web cams on a regular basis - I pulled three chicks out of the nestbox a few days ago that are now 22-25 days old. This is probably very close to the age of your chick. They are currently in a brooder and on a feeding schedule of every three hours. Feel free to check it out. Keep asking questions.

I also have a Grey that is really picky about treats. You might try fresh banana and other fresh fruits, which I've had great success with.

That's great that you were online when I was feeding. I had quite the audience watching, which is why I was holding them up to the camera for all to see. Glad you got to see it all.

Hum, I went back over data I've kept for past clutches to look at weight averages. Interestingly, all three chicks of this clutch weigh more than any chick for the same age before. So, the 190g that concerned me is ~12% more than the heaviest chick from prior clutches. Compared to its clutch siblings, Chickie Eight is a runt. Compared to our other clutches, its a big boy/girl.

Animals are amazing but truly nothing like people. They are instinctively protective of their babies without malice, evil or vengefulness. Literally minutes after removing the chicks, Camilla was taking treats by hand (the same one that removed the chicks). I have to continually remind myself that these creatures are not human and anthropomorphizing them hides just how special they really are. That said, Camilla's behaviour still reminds me of a past girlfriend...

Removed three chicks out of the nest box today. I felt rather bad taking Camilla's chicks out on Mother's Day, but it was the scheduled day. I ended up with some vicious bites from Camilla in return for the pleasure of handling the new clutch. The chicks are 20, 21, and 23 days old, with weights of 190g, 228g, and 234g, respectively. I am concerned about the young one's weight, so I'll have to be extra diligent during feedings. Other than the weight issue, all three are healthy and typically adventuresome. The clutch can be followed on the nursery cam.

Emma's such the chatty one. I've been playing through these latest videos today, and Beaker immediately perked up and started responding to them with his own salvo of words and started repeating some of Emma's (and yours). Think it's time for you to put together a "teach your Grey new words" video!

I always enjoy hearing Emma's antics. This one really made me laugh! Now, all you need is a string attached to the bowl so she can talk long-distance to her friends here. Thanks for taking the time to share your videos.

Yes, and then there's that shriek of delight after the theft. Gotta love it.

That is way too funny! Glad you found some humor during such a traumatic event for all of you. Thanks for taking such good care of Obi. And thanks for keeping us updated. Snarky butthead stage.....priceless

Wow, you ask some questions that you really should know before attempting to raise such a young bird. I'm going to be blunt - get someone involved that KNOWS what to expect and how to properly care. Caring for a weaned chick, or even an 8 week old fledgling is remarkably different than what you are facing. To answer your latest question, yes, the lower beak is typically wider than the top. It usually is a spoon shape to allow good food intake. Be EXTREMELY careful, though. Their beaks are very, very soft and tender. Doing something wrong now will affect the shape and function later on. Again, please find someone that can properly care for the bird.

As others have said, if the eyes are still closed, the chick is probably under 2 weeks old. When I pull chicks from the nestbox at 21-24 days, their eyes are open. Post a pic and we can tell you with a little more certainty. I would be extremely careful as there is way too much that can happen to a young baby. As Jayd, Dave, Dan and others here relate, even under best conditions there is extreme danger to young birds, even with an experienced breeder. We may be blunt at times, but it's not to be rude or threatening. Rather, it's because we feel a strong sense of stewardship to parrots everywhere and want only the best for them. If you feel you don't have the knowledge to care for the chick, I'd invite you to find a vet, rescue or other breeder to care for it until it is fully weaned.

Great idea! We want pictures when it's done.

I'd start with the expiration date on the bag (if you still have it). If you put it in the freezer, then you can safely double/triple the fresh time.

Harvey has my respect.

They're next-best to chopsticks. Gabi loves to hold them at one end and attempt to catch the other - often hitting herself and generally causing great fun. The whole event brings out the best vocal objections As Janet and others said, tying them up makes for great fun. I also coil them up for a springy toy.